Bilal “BJ” Abdullah dies in fatal Baltimore shooting
Bilal “BJ” Abdullah dies in fatal Baltimore shooting
Bilal “BJ” Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah was pronounced dead after being shot by Baltimore City police on Tuesday, June 17.
The Maryland State Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division has officially identified the officers involved in the fatal shooting that occurred in the Upton neighborhood of Baltimore City on Tuesday night. The identified officers are Detective Devin Yancy, an 8-year veteran assigned to the Group Violence Unit; Detective Omar Rodriguez, a 6-year veteran also assigned to the Group Violence Unit; and Officer Ashley Negron, a 7-year veteran.
According to a preliminary report from the AG’s office, Abdullah was the victim of a fatal shooting by these officers. The report indicates that a veteran Baltimore City Police officer was shot in the foot during the incident. Both officers and Abdullah were transported to the hospital, with the officer undergoing surgery and now in recovery.
The initial investigation revealed that an unmarked cruiser observed Abdullah allegedly carrying a crossbody bag, prompting officers to intervene. The first officer exited the vehicle and approached Abdullah, who then fled the scene. This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which Abdullah was struck by multiple bullets and pronounced dead at the hospital.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed that a crowd at the scene interfered with officers’ ability to provide aid, and that a firearm was recovered at the location. He characterized the incident as a brief, close-range exchange of gunfire.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 issued a statement responding to the incident, expressing that the suspect escalated the situation after being approached by law enforcement. The lodge president suggested that Baltimore residents need to decide whether they support law and order.
Community members held a vigil in honor of Abdullah on Thursday night. Family members and neighbors expressed visible grief, with one relative stating that Abdullah was loved by many in the community.
Abdullah was a well-known arabber, operating a horse-drawn cart in Baltimore and selling produce. Friends and associates described him as a dedicated figure who kept the tradition of arabbing alive. The community mourned his loss, with memorials appearing at the scene and in the neighborhood.
The Baltimore City NAACP confirmed that the police department has arranged for the public to review body-worn camera footage once it is prepared. A march and rally were also held in response to the incident.
Efforts to preserve the tradition of arabbing continue through organizations like Stable Baltimore, which Abdullah was associated with prior to his death. The organization is working to sustain the practice in a modern context.
Baltimore City Police Accountability Board held an emergency meeting following the incident, further underscoring the community’s concern.